Protective Helmet Cap

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for use in reducing the impact to the head during sporting activities. The present disclosure provides a helmet cap, which covers an underlying hard shell helmet. The helmet cap has a durable, energy absorbing outer shell, which lessens the initial impact to the helmet. The outer shell is formed into segments of padded material. The helmet cap may be securely attached to helmets without modification of the helmets. The helmet cap may include an adjustable fastener that allows the helmet cap to be securely attached to helmets of varying dimensions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/585,073, filed Jan. 10, 2012, and entitled “Protective Helmet Cap”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed generally to the field of sporting goods and more specifically, to protective helmet covers.

BACKGROUND

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries usually caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that has the potential to affect normal brain function. It has been discovered that some concussions are caused by rotational velocities of the head and sudden decelerations of the brain. In addition, the numerous sub-concussive impacts that athletes are experiencing every day are leading to cognitive impairment. Some head injuries may initially appear to have no long-lasting effects, but current research is finding that many such injuries, such as concussions, may have serious, long-term effects. The likelihood of long-term effects may be further increased when one has experienced repeated head injuries or cumulative concussions.

The Head Injury Criterion (HIC) is often used to measure the likelihood of head injury arising from an impact. The HIC can be used to assess safety related to vehicles, personal protective gear, and sports equipment. HIC is typically defined by the formula shown below.

${HC} = \left\{ {\left\lbrack {\frac{1}{t_{2} - t_{1}}{\int_{t_{1}}^{t_{2}}{{a(t)}{t}}}} \right\rbrack^{2.5}\left( {t_{2} - t_{1}}\; \right)} \right\}_{{ma}\; x}$

In this formula, t₁ and t₂ are the initial and final times (in seconds) of the interval during which HIC attains a maximum value, and acceleration is measured in g's (standard gravity acceleration). The maximum time duration of HIC, t₂−t₁, is limited to a specific value, usually 15 ms. Studies have found that concussions are found to occur at HIC=250 among athletes.

In order to combat concussions and other head injuries in sporting activities, protective helmets are commonly worn whenever there is a possibility of injury to the head. For example, protective helmets are commonly worn in football, hockey, baseball, lacrosse, motor sports, extreme sports, and winter snow sports.

Over the years, protective helmets have evolved with advances in technology. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,462 issued to Straus is directed to a protective helmet of the type used in football and has an external soft elastomer layer to absorb/dissipate some of the energy of an impact. Other features include a quick disconnect face guard, carbon fiber face guard with Kevlar wrap at junction points, a soft foam inner shell inside the intermediate hardened shell, and a head fitting structure including a plurality of pads, visco-elastic cells, and at least one inflatable bladder. In addition, the hardened shell may be formed as a lattice frame of strips having a plurality of fibers impregnated with resin. The resin may have a dye added that will indicate if and where an impact exceeding a predetermined value is incurred by the helmet to assist a physician in diagnosing a possible head trauma injury.

Strauss also developed a ProCap, worn by some players in the 1990's. The original ProCap was a tough polyurethane foam shell permanently attached to a standard hard helmet with Velcro.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,602 issued to Talluri is directed to a multi-layered, impact absorbing, modular helmet in which the preferred embodiment consists of two layers over the hard casing. The outermost layer consists of an air chamber ensconced within a highly durable polymeric material with one or more air pressure release valves.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,270 issued to Durr is directed to a sports helmet with an energy absorbent material such as vinyl nitrile sponge (VNS) being a combination of thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride and synthetic elastomer nitrile.

Despite the use of protective helmets, concussions continue to occur in sports. In 2004, data collected from the head impact telemetry system used in the National Football League concussion studies found that 58 of 623 (9.8 percent) of professional football players who suffered a concussion also had a loss of consciousness.

Moreover, recent studies show that more than 62,000 concussions occur each year in high school sports, with football accounting for two of every three, according to the Brain Injury Association of Arizona. However, many more mild concussions likely go undiagnosed and unreported. Studies estimate that approximately 10 percent of all athletes involved in contact sports such as football have a concussion each year. In addition, close to 60 percent of concussions may go unreported because athletes are not aware of the signs and symptoms and do not think the injury is serious enough to report to medical personnel.

Failure to detect initial concussions may lead to compound concussions, which can cause second impact syndrome. Second impact syndrome is a condition in which a second concussion occurs before a first concussion has properly healed, causing rapid and severe brain swelling and often catastrophic results. Second impact syndrome can result from even a very mild concussion that occurs days or weeks after the initial concussion. Most cases of second impact syndrome have occurred in young athletes, particularly those who participate in sports such as baseball, football, hockey, and skiing. Second impact injury can occur within a matter of days or weeks, or even in the same game or competition if the athlete isn't removed and treated after the first concussion. Neither impact has to be severe for second impact syndrome to occur.

Several studies have shown a link between a history of brain injury and a higher probability of developing major depression later in life. Another study found that of 2,552 retired professional football players, over 11 percent of those with a history of multiple concussions also had a diagnosis of clinical depression. Players reporting three or more previous concussions were three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those with no history of concussion. Emerging research also shows cumulative damage and onset of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy after multiple concussions. Thus, there is risk that even lesser impacts can lead to long-term damage.

As a result of increased public awareness regarding concussions, sports leagues of all levels have updated their concussion policies. However, these policies typically only deal with treatment of players after a concussion has already occurred and do not address concussion prevention.

With advancements in athletic training methods and new workout supplements, today's athletes are bigger and stronger than ever, thereby increasing the potential for concussions. As a result, traditional protective helmets are no longer sufficient to protect against concussions. What is lacking in the art is a protective helmet to help combat the rise in concussions in sporting activities.

SUMMARY

In the present disclosure, a helmet cap is disclosed that may include an outer shell configured into a plurality of padded segments and configured to attach to a helmet. Each of the plurality of padded segments may comprise energy absorbing polyurethane material. The helmet cap may include at least one strap attachment point for attaching a strap to the outer shell of the helmet. The at least one strap attachment point may be configured to facilitate attachment of the helmet cap to a football helmet facemask. The helmet cap may be constructed with ear holes, ventilation gaps, and/or an adjustable fastener that, when manipulated, alters the internal dimensions of the helmet cap. The adjustable fastener may use hook-and-loop fasteners. Each of the padded segments of the helmet cap may have a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially trapezoidal shaped, a substantially hexagonal shape, a combination thereof, or any combination of these and/or any other shapes. Each padded segment may have at least one convex edge that facilitates a ventilation gap configured in the outer shell.

The disclosed helmet cap may be used with a variety of helmets, including football helmets, baseball batting helmets, and any other helmets used in sporting activities. The helmet cap may have a smooth inner surface providing a low friction layer between the outer shell and the helmet's rigid hard shell creating a decoupled outer cover for reduction in forces that may be applied to a helmet during an impact. Alternatively, the helmet cap may have inner surface constructed of honeycomb material providing a low friction layer between the outer shell and the helmet providing ventilation for cooling and decoupling the outer cover from the hard shell of helmet to reduce forces that may be applied to a helmet during an impact. The outer shell of the helmet cap may be constructed of material having a low coefficient of friction. Each of the plurality of padded segments may be constructed from rebound foam, closed-cell foam, neoprene foam, viscoelastic polymer gel, memory foam, or any combination thereof of any combination of other materials. Any of the materials used for the helmet cap may be waterproof. These and other aspects of the subject matter disclosed are set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary helmet cap configured on a helmet.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary helmet cap.

FIG. 3 illustrates another side view of an exemplary helmet cap.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an exemplary helmet cap.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary helmet cap.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an exemplary helmet cap.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary helmet cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the various embodiments is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Rather, the inventor has contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. It should be understood that the explanations illustrating the protective helmet are only exemplary. The following description is illustrative and not limiting to any one aspect.

When values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. It is to be appreciated that certain features of the disclosed subject matter which are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosed subject matter that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Any and all documents cited in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of exemplary helmet cap 100, shown configured on an exemplary football helmet 150 (drawn in dashed lines). In one embodiment, helmet cap 100 may be a cover for traditional football helmets. However, helmet cap 100 may be used with any existing helmet, including, but not limited to, helmets used in baseball, hockey, lacrosse, bike, skateboard, winter snow sports, rock climbing, and motorsports. In addition, adaptations may include a protective cap that is worn directly on the head and not as a cover for an existing helmet. Helmet cap 100 may be configured on any type of helmet or headgear intended for any sporting use or any other purpose. Football helmet 150 is used herein as a non-limiting example of a contemplated application of helmet 150.

Helmet cap 100 may include an outer shell 102. Outer shell 102 may be comprised of a soft, energy absorbing, durable material. The material may have a low coefficient of friction. The durable material may allow helmet cap 100 to resist tears, for example, during the helmet to helmet collisions that frequently occur in football games. A low coefficient of friction allows the objects that come into contact with helmet cap 100 to deflect off outer shell 102.

Concussions are the result of rapid changes in velocities between the brain and the skull. A collision between the two disrupts the delicate neuronal layer of the brain by an extent relative to the magnitude of acceleration and the player's physiology. By reducing the accelerations, concussions may be prevented. Since momentum is the product of mass and velocity, transfer of momentum is inversely proportional to the deflection of the impacted surface. For example, ⅛″ deflection instead of 1/16″ deflection will result in the transfer of half as much momentum. A low coefficient of friction allows for greater deflection thereby reducing the transfer of momentum, which in turn assists in reducing the accelerations.

In some embodiments, outer shell 102 material may also have density, stiffness, and energy absorbing properties designed for a particular application. Optimizing such properties of the outer shell 102 material reduce the severity of an initial impact, such as a helmet to helmet collision. Since force is the product of mass and velocity, the longer that the impact can be extended, the lower the velocity and therefore the lower the magnitude of the resulting force. The soft outer shell 102 may dampen and redistribute the force generated by a head to head collision.

Furthermore, the soft outer shell 102 material may also prevent the helmet from being used as a weapon in sporting events. When there are hits to the hand, knee, leg, arm, or other parts of the body, the force is greatly reduced by outer shell 102 in comparison to hard plastic shelled helmets.

The material of outer shell 102 may also be waterproof and lightweight allowing helmet cap 100 to be attached on top of existing protective helmets without adding significant additional weight while still remaining useable under all weather conditions. Alternatively, the material of outer shell 102 may be further enclosed in waterproof material.

In one embodiment, outer shell 102 material may be, at least in part, soft, energy absorbing polyurethane. In another embodiment, outer shell 102 material may be, at least in part, rebound foam, closed-cell foam, neoprene foam, viscoelastic polymer gel, memory foam, or any other energy absorbing foam, or any combination thereof. Outer shell 102 may be comprised of any soft, durable material with energy absorbing properties and a low coefficient of friction, any combination of such materials, or any combination of any other one or more materials and any one or more soft, durable material with energy absorbing properties and a low coefficient of friction.

Outer shell 102 may be configured in the form of a plurality of shapes or segments as illustrated in FIG. 1, and may be comprised of upper section 104 and lower section 106. Any pattern of shapes or segments may be used. For example, some or all of the segments in lower section 106, as shown in FIG. 1, may be substantially rectangular and configured in various numbers of rows, as seen with lower segments 107. For example, a single row of segments may be configured in the front of lower section 106 while two or more rows of segments may be configured on the sides and rear of lower section 106. One or more sides of each shape may be concave or convex. In another example, some of the segments in upper section 104 may be rectangular, hexagonal, or trapezoidal in shape, such as segments 105, while other segments may be triangular in shape. Here again, each segment may have one or more sides that are at least somewhat convex or concave. In some embodiments, concave sides to segments may facilitate the configuration of gaps 108 (discussed in more detail below), other openings, and/or ventilation points. Note that not all segments are labeled in each drawing discussed herein so that clarity of the figures may be maintained.

The segmented formation may assist in deflecting objects on impact. Additionally, the segmented formation may also help in lessening the force of impact when helmet 150 configured with helmet cap 100 collides with another object, such as another helmet, goal post, the ground, etc. Even further reduction of the force of impact may be had when two or more helmets, each with caps such as helmet cap 100 attached, collide. A soft, energy absorbing polyurethane material used for outer shell 102 configured into a plurality of segments may reduce the Head Injury Criteria by as much as 33%, if not more, in comparison traditional hard shelled football helmets. In other embodiments, outer shell 102 may be a single section with a single smooth, uniform surface without segments or shapes formed into outer shell 102.

In an embodiment, upper section 104 may comprise gaps 108, which may allow helmet cap 100 to mold and fit securely over an existing helmet, regardless of the underlying helmet's size. Furthermore, gaps 108 may allow the user's head to be well ventilated. Gaps 108 may be holes or alternatively, they may be covered with an elastic breathable or perforated material or fabric. In some other embodiments, helmet cap 100 may not have any gaps 108 at all.

Lower section 106 of helmet cap 100 may be configured with securing strap attachment points 110. Securing strap attachment points 110 may be constructed of an elastic material for secure attachment of helmet cap 100 to helmet 150. By using an elastic material for securing strap attachment points 110, helmet cap 100 may be permitted to move about helmet 150 and thereby dissipate energy received during an impact, reducing the linear and/or rotational forces applied to helmet 150 during the impact. Securing strap attachment points 110 may allow the attachment of a strap or other component that secures helmet cap 100 to helmet 150. For example, a strap may be secured to one of securing strap attachment points 110 and may be attached to the facemask of underlying helmet 150. Alternatively, a strap may be affixed to the underside of helmet cap 100 and placed around a facemask section of helmet 150 and secured to one of securing strap attachment points 110. There may be two such straps, one on each side of helmet cap 100, and each attached to a respective securing strap attachment points 110 (first securing strap attachment point 110 seen in FIG. 1, second securing strap attachment point 110 shown in FIG. 3). The securing straps used with securing strap attachment points 110 may be nylon, an elastic material, or any other material that allows the straps to be secured to the facemask of a football helmet. The securing straps may be configured for attachment on another type of helmet, or configured for directly positioning helmet cap 100 on the head. Alternatively, helmet cap 100 may be attached to the underlying helmet via means other than securing straps, such as adhesive, clips, snaps, or hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO®).

Helmet cap 100 may also include ear holes 112. Ear holes 112 may correspond to existing ear holes in existing helmets of any type. Ear holes 112 may allow the wearer of the helmet cap 100 to be able to hear sounds their surroundings while utilizing helmet cap 100 and may add to the ventilation normally associated with the helmet type. Any type, number, size, and shape of ear holes may be used in helmet cap 100, while in other embodiments, helmet cap 100 may not include any ear holes 112. For example, in situations where the underlying hard shell helmet does not cover the ears, helmet cap 100 may not have any ear holes 112. Alternatively, if there is underlying helmet that covers the ears but does not have earholes, then helmet cap 100 may not have ear holes 112.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of helmet cap 100. Shown in FIG. 2 are upper section 104, lower section 106, segments 105 and 107, gaps 108, ear holes 112, one of securing strap attachment points 110, and the segments discussed above. FIG. 3 illustrates the side view opposite that of FIG. 2, also showing upper section 104, lower section 106, segments 105 and 107, gaps 108, ear holes 112, one of securing strap attachment points 110, and the segments discussed above.

Also shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is adjustable fastener 114 that may allow helmet cap 100 to be placed on top of helmets of different sizes. Manipulation of adjustable fastener 114 may allow the adjustment of the internal dimensions of helmet cap 100 so that helmet cap 100 may be securely attached to helmets of various sizes. Adjustable fastener 114 may be constructed of any material, including plastic, elastic, or any other material that allows helmet cap 100 to be adjusted to fit over an underlying helmet. Adjustable fastener 114 may use hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buckles, or any other type of securing means to secure adjustable fastener 114 about a helmet. In other embodiments, helmet cap 100 does not have adjustable fastener 114 and, instead, may be fitted for a particular underlying helmet size. In yet other embodiments, helmet cap 100 may be constructed of an elastic material that stretches about a helmet and contracts on a helmet to secure helmet cap 100 to the helmet.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of helmet cap 100. Shown in FIG. 4 are upper section 104, lower section 106, segments 105 and 107, gaps 108, and the segments discussed above. As can be seen in this figure, in an embodiment there may be several gaps 108 configured in helmet cap 100. Also seen in this figure are the segments in upper section 104 configured in three rows, with the lower two rows of segments in upper section 104 having substantially trapezoidal shapes with one or more convex sides facilitating the placement of gaps 108 that may be oval or lens shaped. Any other shapes and sizes of segments and gaps 108 are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of helmet cap 100. Shown in FIG. 5 are upper section 104, lower section 106, segments 105 and 107, adjustable fastener 114, and the segments discussed above. As can also be seen in this figure, in an embodiment there may be several gaps 108 configured in helmet cap 100. As with FIG. 4, some of the segments in upper section 104 may have substantially trapezoidal shapes with one or more convex sides facilitating the placement of gaps 108 that may be oval or lens shaped. Any other shapes and sizes of segments and gaps 108 are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. Also shown in FIG. 5 is adjustable fastener 114 that may allow helmet cap 100 to be secured to helmets of different sizes.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of helmet cap 100. Shown in FIG. 6 are upper section 104, lower section 106, segments 105 and 107, gaps 108, adjustable fastener 114, and the segments discussed above. As can also be seen in this figure, in an embodiment there may be several gaps 108 configured in helmet cap 100. As with FIGS. 4 and 5, some of the segments in upper section 104 may have substantially trapezoidal shapes with one or more convex sides facilitating the placement of gaps 108 that may be oval or lens shaped. Also clearly shown here is a top segment that is substantially pentagonal in shape, but any shape and quantity of top segments are contemplated. Any other shapes and sizes of segments and gaps 108 are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. Also shown in FIG. 5 is adjustable fastener 114 that may allow helmet cap 100 to be secured to helmets of different sizes.

FIG. 7 illustrates and bottom or internal view of helmet cap 100. In one embodiment, helmet cap 100 may have an inner surface 116. Inner surface 116 may be smooth allowing helmet cap 100 to mold with the underlying helmet. In another embodiment, inner surface 116 may be of a material that allows movement between helmet cap 100 and the helmet. This movement may be helpful in dissipating the energy received during an impact, thereby reducing the linear and/or rotational forces applied to the helmet during the impact. In an embodiment, honeycomb material may line the inside of helmet cap 100 to provide a frictional layer to prevent the protective cap from slipping on the hard outer shell of the helmet to which helmet cap 100 is secured. Also shown in FIG. 7 are gaps 108, demonstrating an embodiment where gaps 108 allow ventilation through helmet cap 100 and also allow helmet cap 100 to be flexible and expand or contract as needed to fit over various sizes of helmets.

While the present application has been described in connection with a helmet cap, or cover, it is contemplated that there may be a helmet comprising an integrated helmet cap as described above combined with a hardened inner shell and a foam interior. The hardened inner shell may be comprised of synthetic fibers, such as aramid fibers and para-aramid fibers, polycarbonate, or hardened plastics. The hardened inner shell may comprise one or a plurality of holes for ventilation. Such holes may correspond to gaps in the integrated helmet cap such as gaps 108 described above. In one embodiment the hardened inner shell may have two ear holes, allowing for communication. In other embodiments, the hardened inner shell and is smooth and uniform, without any holes.

The foam interior may be comprised of any energy-absorbing foam. In one embodiment, the foam interior uses vinyl nitrile foam. Alternatively, thermo plastic urethane foam, expanded polystyrene foam, and/or expanded polypropylene foam may be used. The foam may also be water proof or water resistant so as to not absorb sweat or rain that may add weight during use. Additionally, the foam interior may be configured in one or a plurality of cells.

In use, the segments of helmet cap 100 may be constructed, at least in part, of soft urethane material connected to one with connecting material such that an impact on one segment will deform that segment and thereby absorb and dissipate the energy of an impact.

A helmet cap as disclosed may provide a lightweight, waterproof exterior design with a low coefficient of friction skin that reduces the force of impacts and may attach to any standard football helmet with ease. By using the disclosed helmet cap, injury to players may be minimized because hard helmet-to-helmet contact may be reduced or eliminated.

While the present embodiments have been described in connection with the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function as the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. All such embodiments are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A helmet cap comprising: an outer shell configured into a plurality of padded segments; the outer shell configured to attach to a helmet.
 2. The helmet cap of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of padded segments comprises energy absorbing material.
 3. The helmet cap of claim 1, further comprising at least one strap attachment point for attaching a strap to secure the outer shell to the helmet.
 4. The helmet cap of claim 3, wherein the at least one strap attachment point is configured to facilitate attachment of the outer shell to a football helmet facemask.
 5. The helmet cap of claim 1, further comprising at least one ear hole configured in the outer shell.
 6. The helmet cap of claim 1, further comprising at least one ventilation gap configured in the outer shell.
 7. The helmet cap of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable fastener that, when manipulated, alters internal dimensions of the helmet cap.
 8. The helmet cap of claim 7, wherein the adjustable fastener comprises hook-and-loop fasteners.
 9. The helmet cap of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is configured to securely attach to a football helmet.
 10. The helmet cap of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is configured to securely attach to a baseball batting helmet.
 11. The helmet cap of claim 1, further comprising a smooth inner surface providing a low frictional layer between the outer shell and the helmet.
 12. The helmet cap of claim 1, further comprising an inner surface constructed of honeycomb material providing a low frictional layer between the outer shell and the helmet.
 13. The helmet cap of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is constructed of material having a low coefficient of friction.
 14. The helmet cap of claim 1, wherein each of at least a subset of the plurality of padded segments has a substantially rectangular shape.
 15. The helmet cap of claim 1, wherein each of at least a subset of the plurality of padded segments has a substantially trapezoidal shaped.
 16. The helmet cap of claim 1, wherein each of at least a subset of the plurality of padded segments comprises at least one convex edge that facilitates a ventilation gap configured in the outer shell.
 17. The helmet cap of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of padded segments comprises at least one of polyurethane, rebound foam, closed-cell foam, neoprene foam, viscoelastic polymer gel, or memory foam.
 18. The helmet cap of claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises waterproof material.
 19. The helmet cap of claim 1, wherein a first subset of the plurality of padded segments located in an upper area of the outer shell has a substantially trapezoidal shaped.
 20. The helmet cap of claim 19, wherein a second subset of the plurality of padded segments located in a lower area of the outer shell has a substantially rectangular shaped. 